ProHD Mobile News Camcorder

JVC cameras have become the standard for fast paced ENG leading the industry in on-board streaming and IP connectivity. The GY-HM660 is JVC's latest and most advanced handheld mobile news camera. Small and light enough to be used anywhere, this camera surpasses the performance of many traditional ENG style units and offers reliable, high quality streaming without the use of a backpack or external encoder. Dual codecs make it possible to record full HD on solid state memory and at the same time stream the footage for live broadcast.

Outstanding low light performanceThe GY-HM660 produces outstanding images in all sorts of lighting environments, including in situations where there's not much light at all. Minimum illumination is less than 1 lux: 0.15lx (typical)*. JVC's exclusive LoLux feature permits shooting in adverse lighting conditions. LoLux can be assigned to a USER button, and set in the menu to offer +30dB or +36dB of gain. A convenient gain switch provides default gain values of -6dB, 0dB, +9dB. These switch positions can be adjusted to various gain amounts from -6dB to +24dB. An ALC mode is also available to boost gain values from +6dB to +24dB. Standard sensitivity of the GY-HM660 is measured at F12 @ 2,000 lux (60Hz) and F13 @ 2,000 lux (50Hz).

*(1920 x 1080 mode, F1.6, Lolux mode, 1/30 or 1/25 shutter

Advanced Processing Engine

Revolutionary FALCONBRID™ Dual Codec Image Processing EngineFALCONBRID™ is JVC's high-speed processor for advanced video applications. Delivering tremendous processing power on a single chip, the on-board FALCONBRID™ engine processes large amounts of video data at exceptional speeds. Together with this technology, superior image quality has been realized with 2D DNR processing and compensation circuitry for wide dynamic range. The GY-HM660 utilizes dual codec FALCONBRID™ processors that make it possible to record in two resolutions—one in full HD and one as a smaller proxy file onto separate memory cards. Depending on connection speed, the smaller files can often be transferred faster than real time for delivery to websites or file-sharing services. With dual processors it is also possible to stream live video at one resolution while recording at another resolution and bit rate.*

MPEG-2 and AVCHD RecordingThe GY-HM660 supports both the popular MPEG-2 Long GOP 35/25/19Mbps format, widely used by television broadcasters, and the highly efficient AVCHD format, which provides compatibility with a wide range of affordable editing systems. This means that professionals have unprecedented flexibility to meet production standards through a wide range of workflows. With the revolutionary dual codec, the GY-HM660 also supports simultaneous HD/SD or HD/proxy recording, producing full HD files on one memory card while creating smaller, Web-friendly files on the other. Also supported is the MPEG-4/AVC H.264 1.2 Mbps SD format

Ultra and Extreme High Quality Recording ModesThe GY-HM660 is also equipped with the H.264 Extreme High Quality (XHQ) 50Mbps mode for virtually lossless compression—even when recording fast moving objects. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 offers approximately twice the compression efficiency of MPEG2. Its superior motion prediction ensures a smooth and detailed picture with virtually no block noise in rapid action sequences. The XHQ mode is available when recording 1920 x 1080 at 60p,60i,30p and 24p.

The GY-HM660 further provides the H.264 Ultra High Quality (UHQ) 35Mbps recording mode, again offering superior image quality but with smaller file sizes.

Flexible File-based Workflow

Multiple File Formats for Native WorkflowsRecord HD or SD footage directly in ready-to-edit QuickTime™ MOV files, the native file format of Apple's Final Cut Pro™. JVC has eliminated one of the main obstacles to achieving a smoother, more streamlined production workflow. Native file recording ensures your footage is ready to edit the moment it's shot, resulting in a more efficient workflow and no loss of image quality.Additionally, with the MPEG-2 mode for Windows editing environments, it is possible to record in MP4 format (XDCAM EX™ workflow-compatible) for direct editing in other major NLE systems, including Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere and Grass Valley Edius Pro.

*H.264 SD MOV file can be edited by Grass Valley Edius Pro

Support for MXF Files with Rich MetadataA highly efficient file-based workflow is essential to any modern news organization. To ensure file interoperability with the widest range of broadcast production tools, JVC has worked with the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) on its "AS-10: MXF for Production," establishing a common MXF file format for an end-to-end news production workflow. MXF files are embedded with rich descriptive metadata that is added before, during or after shooting. The AS-10 MXF format builds on the SMPTE RDD 9, the MXF interoperability specification of Sony MPEG Long GOP Products (XDCAM HD.)

Web Friendly (Proxy) file formatsLower resolution H.264 files (480x270p and 960x540p) are recorded simultaneously with full HD files. These files are significantly smaller than HD files, and thus are very suitable for immediate posting to the web. A file recorded in the 960 x 540 mode is approximately 1/10th the size of a full HD file recorded at 35 Mbps, and therefore takes a fraction of the time to post. The smaller files may be quickly imported to an iPad for easy editing using iMovie or Pinnacle Studio. Transporting video to the web or back to the studio has never been faster.

Built-in GPSThe GY-HM660 is equipped with a GPS function. Position information and UTC (atomic clock) information can be obtained from the satellite and recorded as metedata during shooting. During playback, you can also display the recorded information on the playback screen. (Date/time information is only recorded in the AVCHD mode.)

Web Friendly (Proxy) file formatsLower resolution H.264 files (480x270p and 960x540p) are recorded simultaneously with full HD files. These files are significantly smaller than HD files, and thus are very suitable for immediate posting to the web. A file recorded in the 960 x 540 mode is approximately 1/10th the size of a full HD file recorded at 35 Mbps, and therefore takes a fraction of the time to post. The smaller files may be quickly imported to an iPad for easy editing using iMovie or Pinnacle Studio. Transporting video to the web or back to the studio has never been faster.

Dual SDHC/SDXC Card Slots for Maximum VersatilityDual SDHC/SDXC card slots make the GY-HM660 a truly versatile camcorder, offering such benefits as simultaneous recording and relay recording with reliable and cost-effective media. In relay recording mode, you can shoot continuously and seamlessly over multiple cards. When one card is full, the camcorder switches seamlessly and automatically to the other card. And because cards are hot swappable, there is in effect no limit to the continuous shooting time in any mode, even with lower capacity cards.

It is possible to start editing footage from one card while still shooting to the other. With simultaneous recording, you can easily create backup or duplicate files as you shoot without the need for any external equipment—either for a client copy or simply for peace of mind. Additionally, while the Rec trigger is used to pause and unpause recording on one card, the other card can act as a continuous backup that overrides the pause function. With the new dual codec, it is now possible to record full HD files on one memory card while simultaneously creating smaller SD or proxy files on the other, providing the flexibility for a range of workflow possibilities.

SDHC/SDXC media offers the best combination of price, availability, capacity, reliability and transfer speed. With no moving parts and no pins or other extrusions, SDHC/SDXC cards are both durable and reliable, and compare favorably with tape on a cost-per-minute basis.

* During simultaneous backup recording in HD mode, the duplicate file records in the same file format and bit rate as the original.

Estimated Recordable Time of SD Cards

Wi-Fi and Broadband Connectivity

Network Connectivity for Next-Level FunctionalityThe GY-HM660 is equipped with a USB 2.0 host connector that supports an optional wired or wireless (WiFi) network adapter, or a broadband 3G/4G USB Stick. Through connection to a LAN, WAN or internet, various wireless communications functions are available. A built-in web interface, allows remote viewing of camera images and wireless remote control when using a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Importing MetadataYou can download a metadata settings file (XMLformat) from a remote FTP server and store metadata inthe GY-HM660 for recording onto video clips in the MXF format. Metadata may include TITLE (2 data fields), CREATOR, and DESCRIPTION (up to 2047 characters.) Once stored in the camera, metadata is then recorded into the MXF video clips, and will stay with the clips through postproduction, playout and archiving.

Adding MetadataIn addition to downloading, metadata is added in the field using a smartphone, tablet or PC via the camera's web interface. Again, the camera records this information to the MXF video clips.

Editing MetadataMetadata on existing clips may be edited using a smartphone, tablet or PC. Using a web browser, the "Clip Metadata" screen displays a list of clips stored on the memory card with thumbnail images. Clip metadata can be edited and rewritten back to individual clips stored in the camera.

Remote control and viewing with a mobile deviceWhen using an optional WiFi or LTE adapter, you can access many of the camera's settings with a tablet, smartphone or computer giving you unprecedented remote control capabilities. Best of all, no "app" is necessary as everything is accessible using a standard web browser. The image from the camera may be also viewed independently of any streaming or recording, allowing the operator to make lens and camera adjustments live. While viewing the image, the camera's recording and streaming functions can be stopped and started and the zoom lens may be controlled. Zoom presets are also registered and deleted remotely using the web browser.

Secure File Transfer Protocol (FTP) built-inFTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer recorded clips from the camera to a remote file server, or "cloud." Settings for up to four FTP servers are stored in the camera. Any of the video clips may be transferred individually or in batch mode. Transfer time is determined by the connection speed to the network or internet and by the size of the file(s) to be transferred. For example, a 30 second HD clip recorded at 720p/19Mbps may be transferred in about one minute using a 4G connection assuming an average upload speed of 10Mbps. If the clip is recorded in the "web friendly" proxy mode, it may only take a few seconds.

Unwanted information may be trimmed from clips with basic in-camera editing, creating shorter files for transfer. FTP transfers may be performed in the background, allowing the operator to continue shooting without interrupting the workflow. Secure FTP transfers are also possible using SFTP or FTPS protocols.

In addition to secure FTP, the following WiFi security protocols are supported:

Type

Password (characters)

Encryption (bit)

WEP

5

64

13

128

WPA-PSK TKIP

8 - 63

256

WPA-PSK AES

WPA2-PSK TKIP

WPA2-PSK AES

Advanced Streaming TechnologyWhen the GY-HM660 is equipped with a high speed broadband modem (connected either directly with the host USB connector, or through WiFi), ENG crews now have a handy, economical means to deliver live field reports without the need for a microwave or satellite truck. Through its use of dual codecs, the camera offers live transmission (streaming) while simultaneously recording HD to a memory card. Transmission at selected resolutions and bitrates is possible independent of the recording mode. The GY-HM660 offers a range of streaming options from basic point-to-point to cloud streaming with advanced error correction.

Basic streamingThe GY-HM660 outputs a transport stream with TCP or UDP protocol to a decoder or computer with a fixed IP address at the receiving facility. Latency is minimal (usually under 2 seconds with UDP transmission.) Image quality is dependent on the speed/mode selected. With a good 4G, WiFi, or wired connection, additional error correction may not be necessary making this the easiest and most economical streaming solution with the lowest latency. SMPTE 2022 1/2 forward error correction (FEC) is provided for use when network conditions are more challenging. Latency is slightly increased when FEC is used.

Advanced streaming with Zixi ARQ and Zixi Forward Error CorrectionJVC's advanced streaming technology, powered by Zixi, utilizes content-aware error correction algorithms to compensate for packet loss common with mobile internet connections. In this mode, the decoder performs a dynamic assessment of the link capacity (link monitoring) and signals the camera to adjust bitrate and, if necessary, resend packets. The advanced error correction is able to compensate for up to 50% packet loss (in the new high reliability mode) assuring a reliable stream even under adverse conditions. A Zixi-licensed decoder or server is required at the receiving end.

High speed streaming at 12 Mbps UDP (or 5 Mbps, Zixi) is now possible for production quality results. It is also now possible to stream directly to a content delivery network (CDN) such as USTREAM thanks to the implementation of RTMP protocol. This makes it possible to stream directly to a worldwide audience at the touch of a button, and without any additional hardware in the field, except a modem!

ProHD Broadcaster Powered by Zixi / Cloud-based ServicesSingle camera point-to-point streaming to a single decoder delivers excellent results. For facilities with multiple cameras, JVC has made available the ProHD Broadcaster, the centerpiece for high quality IP video over the internet. Broadcaster is available as a physical server or cloud-based solution, and receives streams from JVC's streaming ProHD cameras and delivers those streams to various decoders and content delivery (CDN) ingest points. Broadcaster includes a wide array of video processing features, including transcoding, time shifting, VoD playout, recording functionality and stream switching. Whether phyically located on premises or in the cloud, Broadcaster offers a friendly web interface that simplifies management of multiple sources and stream destinations while providing advanced content-aware correction compatible with Zixi-enabled JVC cameras.

When directly connected to an LTE modem or WiFi hotspot, the GY-HM660 provides active feedback to the camera operator with indications in the viewfinder (and LCD screen) about the status of the stream and LTE (or WiFi) connection.

IFB Return AudioThe GY-HM660 is capable of receiving and decoding an IFB (interruptable foldback) signal supplied via an audio encoder, usually at the television station. This single channel audio feed is available through the 3.5mm headphone jack on the camera and can provide necessary audio cues to the talent or camera operator. Camera audio (microphone inputs) can be monitored through the second audio channel while IFB is active. In multi-camera wireless field productions, the IFB signal can be sent to multiple GY-HM660 cameras (up to 10) allowing the director to communicate with the camera operators.

High-Performance Features

Superb Portability and Compact DesignWith a stylish body that fits boldly within the distinctive range of ProHD camcorders, the compact dimensions and superb portability of the GY-HM660 allow it to be used anywhere. Lightweight (2.4kg/5.3lbs operating condition), versatile and extremely easy to use, it is the perfect camcorder for next generation acquisition.

Shooter-Friendly Controls and LayoutsErgonomics has played a major role in the design of the GY-HM660. The camcorder's handgrip makes it very comfortable to hold, even on long shoots. And despite its extremely compact dimensions, all the camcorder's main functions are accessible directly from controls and switches on the camera body, right where you would expect them to be.

High-Resolution 3.5" LCD MonitorA high-resolution 920K LCD monitor provides a wide array of monitoring and setup indications. For maximum flexibility, the 16:9 monitor is mounted at the top of the camera, and can be swiveled for handheld shooting at various angles or flipped for use as a talent monitor.

Focus Assist FunctionHelping the camera operator stay focused on the action is a focus assist system that highlights the edges of objects in the image. When Focus Assist is switched on, the image in the viewfinder or LCD monitor switches to monochrome and all objects that are in focus appear with colored edges (selectable from red, green or blue). Keeping the important elements in the picture in focus while shooting is greatly simplified.

GUIThe GY-HM660 takes ProHD's highly regarded GUI navigation to the next level. Not only are menu items immediately accessible, but settings can also be easily checked right from the settings window. With an improved graphical interface, it's easier than ever to customize the settings to match individual preferences or the demands of the moment.

User Friendly Functions

Pre Rec (Retro Cache) Start Mode—No more missed shots!How many times have you missed a crucial moment because you didn't hit the record button in time? In this mode, the GY-HM660U continually records up to 15 seconds in cache memory. When the trigger is pressed, the live signal is appended to the cache recording, giving you a head start in getting the shot. This feature is invaluable in capturing breaking events when the shot would be lost before a traditional camera could begin recording.

Interval (time-lapse) RecThis feature allows you to record single frames at set intervals, which can be used to shoot slow-moving scenes, such as sunsets or construction, or to capture time-lapse recordings such as the growing of plants.

Variable Frame Rate Recording (Over Crank, Under Crank)When recording in the 720p 35Mbps mode, the camera can be set to record at a frame rate different than the playback rate. This capability makes it possible to record slow or fast motion when the recording is played back at 24p, 25p or 30p. The GY-HM660 can also under-crank in the 1080p 35Mbps mode.

HD-SDI / HDMI ConnectivityFor live broadcast applications, or for monitoring, the GY-HM660 provides an uncompressed, 4:2:2 full HD or downconverted SD signal via its HD/SD SDI connector. The signal can come from either the camera or from memory playback. When downconverted, the video may be in either PAL or NTSC depending on the HD mode selected: 60Hz (23.98p, 29.97p, 59.94p/i) = NTSC, 50Hz (25p, 50p/i) = PAL. The HD/SD SDI output is via a BNC connector and includes embedded uncompressed audio. It is also possible to output the menus and clip viewer via the HD/SD SDI output.

An HDMI connector outputs the same signal as the HD-SDI connector, especially useful for monitoring while shooting a live event. The HDMI output may be switched to RGB mode when monitoring via computer.

Other connections:

• Time Code in/out — for synchronizing time code with an audio recorder, another camcorder or TC Generator

• AV out — Provides composite video output with audio (3.5mm jack)

• Mic/Line (x2) with phantom power (XLR)

• Aux In (audio) for wireless receiver

• Remote control (2.5mm)

• Headphone jack — switchable stereo/mono

• USB (device) provides access to SDHC files via computer.

SMPTE Time CodeWith Time Code functionality, the GY-HM660's TC generator may be synchronized with an external audio recorder, other cameras in a system, or a master Time Code generator. A single RCA connector is used for either TC IN or TC OUT, and accepts (or provides) a SMPTE time code signal. In a simple set-up, two GY-HM660 series cameras may be synchronized with with a single RCA cable, ensuring that the same time code will be recorded on both cameras.

Wired Remote Control ConnectionThe GY-HM660 comes with a wired remote interface (2.5mm connector) for operating the camcorder remotely when using a tripod, jib, crane or boom. LANC (Control-L) compatible devices may be used with this connector.

Audio Recording and Monitoring FlexibilityThe GY-HM660 records 2 channels of 16 bit/48Khz uncompressed LPCM audio (MPEG2) and 16 bit/48Khz 256kbps audio (AVCHD). Audio levels can be controlled manually, or automatically using AGC. A switchable audio limiter is provided. Audio frequencies may be adjusted with a multi-band audio equalizer. An audio meter is displayed on the LCD and VF to facilitate adjustment. Balanced XLR connectors with 48V phantom power are provided on the handle for a external microphones. Versatile input switching allows the microphone signal to be directed to the desired channel.

The side panel is equipped with screw mounts to attach a bracket (CA-UP600) for an optional wireless receiver. Dedicated mic and headphone jacks are provided for this purpose. An 3.5mm audio headphone jack provides monitoring of the camera's audio channels or the decoded IFB audio channel.

High-Capacity Battery SystemsCapture more footage and clock more recording time with the newly developed high-capacity (4900mAh) battery. In addition, it is also possible to charge the battery when the camera is switched off and plugged in using the AC adapter.

Supporting Software

JVC ProHD Clip ManagerProHD Clip Manager for both Mac and Windows makes it easy to manage MP4 clips on the GY-HM660's memory cards from your computer. With a few clicks of the mouse you can copy, move or delete clips, preview clip content, as well as view and edit clip metadata. A thumbnail view of all the clips in the current folder shows the content of each clip at a glance. Use the viewer to watch the whole clip, or change the clip's index frame used for the thumbnail. You can also manage folders to keep your clips organized, and check the remaining free space on a card. The latest version of ProHD Clip Manager offers an even greater level of NLE compatibility by enabling MP4 files to be converted to m2t, widely supported by non-linear editing systems.

ProHD Log and Transfer Plug-inProHD Log and Transfer Plug-in is a plug-in for Apple's Final Cut Pro™ that lets you drop MP4 files recorded on the GY-HM660 into the clip bin. With the plug-in installed, you can view thumbnails of the MP4 files on a memory card from the Log and Transfer screen of Final Cut Pro™. Simply drag and drop the thumbnails into the bin to automatically convert the clips to QuickTime™, ready for use.